What is ketamine for depression?
Ketamine for depression is the use of the anesthetic ketamine to relieve symptoms of depression. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that binds with certain receptors in the brain meant for glutamate.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that supports communication between nerve cells. By blocking glutamate, ketamine allows the brain to create new neural pathways for the glutamate. These new pathways improve brain function and communication. Researchers theorize that these new neural connections relieve depression symptoms.
Am I a candidate for ketamine for depression?
Your provider at StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine determines if you’re a candidate for ketamine for depression after a thorough evaluation. Ketamine is an effective treatment for depression. However, it’s not the right treatment for everyone suffering from a common mental health disorder.
StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine may recommend ketamine therapy if you have treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with thoughts of suicide.
Before using ketamine for depression, you must try other antidepressants and psychotherapy. If traditional treatments fail to alleviate your symptoms or your symptoms worsen, the team may suggest ketamine therapy as a treatment for your depression.
How is ketamine for depression given?
Your provider at StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine can talk to you about how ketamine for depression is given. In most cases, they provide ketamine infusions, which is the administration of a low dose of ketamine over a period of time through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.
However, there are other forms of ketamine for depression, including a nasal spray and sublingual lozenges. The experts at StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine can determine the best method for you.
To improve patient access to care, StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine offers ketamine telemedicine.
When can I expect results from ketamine for depression?
You may notice improvements in your depression symptoms soon after your ketamine treatment. However, you may need several treatments to gain the most benefits.
Additionally, ketamine for depression works best when combined with psychotherapy, which helps you take advantage of the new neural pathways, improving how you think and feel.
Call StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about ketamine for depression.
